Monrovia – Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has voiced serious concern about the country’s ongoing struggle with corruption, describing it as one of the most critical obstacles to national development.
Speaking on the Liberia National Television (LNTV) and Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) program “Changing Minds, Changing Attitudes,” Madam Sirleaf reflected on Liberia’s fight against corruption and lamented that despite the creation of several anti-graft laws during her administration, many remain dormant.
“The laws are not being respected,” she said. “For instance, the law that established the County Development Funds was intended to decentralize financial support, but that law has not been fully implemented.”
The former president said the continued disregard for anti-corruption frameworks has allowed corruption to thrive across multiple sectors of the government.
“The overall management of public resources, it’s true we still have a long way to go to reach the levels achieved by other countries. Corruption is recorded; there’s no doubt about it. Everyone is saying that,” Madam Sirleaf added.
Despite her criticism, Sirleaf also acknowledged that some current officials are demonstrating commitment in addressing corruption. She commended the Minister of Finance and the Director General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for their efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the public sector.
However, she cautioned that “certain discretionary powers” given to high-ranking officials, including those in the Executive and Legislature, often hinder progress.
“In the presidency, we get some discretions, and also we get discretions in our Legislature,” she noted. “The Legislature has to rethink the resources they control and ensure those resources serve the greater good of the people.”
Madam Sirleaf also responded to critics who accuse her of lacking moral standing to speak against corruption.
“Some may say, ‘Don’t mind her talk, she and her government were doing the same thing.’ Yes, that may be true,” she admitted. “But our challenge to them has always been to change it. Things were not all good in my government, and I admit that. I stand on my record.”
Concluding her remarks, the former president urged the current leadership to uphold their reform pledges and take decisive steps toward accountability.
“Please, change it and take a stance,” Madam Sirleaf appealed.
